I first met Joey when I was in high school, I traveled to Arizona State to visit my brother, Austin, who was a few years older than Joey. I spent only a fraction of time with Joey that weekend, but his charisma and generosity resonated with me.
I would inevitably go on to become a student at ASU and a brother of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. When I arrived at ASU, my brother had just graduated, and Joey was entering his senior year. It went unsaid but from the very start Joey took it upon himself to watch over me, mentor me, but most of all.. genuinely care for my well-being. Joey had a special knack with people; he had a way about him that made you feel that he truly cared about what you were saying, what you were up too, how your family was doing. He was drawn to people much in the sense that people were drawn to him. His genuine personality and caring spirit continues to have a lasting impact on my life.
The mission of the JPB Foundation is “To educate young adults in the importance of seeing a doctor annually as Joey is proof that no one, no matter how strong, is invincible”. Annually, the JPB foundation puts on a golf event in order to raise awareness of AL Amyloidosis. The money is donated to Mayo Clinic, and it provides testing for early diagnosis of AL amyloidosis. Additionally, the event brings all types of people together; friends, family, strangers in what turns out to be a celebration of Joey`s life. Joey celebrated life to the fullest and although he was taken from us far too soon, he continues to be a constant reminder of just how special life is.
-Parker King